Thanks to our supporters’ help in January, we took action on behalf of wild animals facing some of the gravest threats on Earth. Here’s how our donors’ generosity is making a difference.
East Africa – Tanzania 
Helping to protect Africa’s majestic ‘super tusker’ elephants
Drone technology helps guide elephants to safety, keeping them away from poachers, hunters and human settlements. Credit: William Burrard-Lucas/Financial Review
Our Conservation Through Tourism partner continues its vital work safeguarding the last remaining super tusker elephants – iconic giants with massive tusks prized by poachers and trophy hunters.
These elephants migrate across vast, unprotected corridors between Kenya and Tanzania, and are dangerously exposed to illegal hunting and human-wildlife conflict. Drones have become an essential tool in helping guide these elephants safely to water and food, and away from danger. Through our supporters’ generosity, we have now been able to equip our partner with not one but two critical drones to safeguard the animals. Thank you for helping protect these magnificent giants.
South Africa – Stanford
Providing emergency support during deadly wildfires in the Western Cape
The injured animals need day and night veterinary care. Credit: Panthera Big Cat Sanctuary
In early January, wildfires ravaged our partner in South Africa, Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary, leaving 25 rescued lions, tigers, leopards and others displaced, injured and distressed. Tragically, the fire led to one fatality and a number of burn injuries, as frightened animals tried to escape from the advancing flames.
Thanks to the support of our donors, we were able to help fund critical veterinary care and the emergency relocation of some of the cats requiring immediate care. All surviving animals were safely evacuated to species-appropriate farms and sanctuaries, and we are thrilled to tell you that those still receiving care are improving daily.
Our supporters truly opened their hearts to these animals and we, and the animals, could not be more grateful.
South Africa – Gauteng
Support some of South Africa’s tiniest victims of hunting, fires and human interference
Each month, our partner rescues and rehabilitates animals, like this baby genet. Your donation made the difference between life and death for orphaned wild animals. Credit: FFW
Our partner Friends of Free Wildlife is stretched by a surge in orphaned and injured wildlife coming through its doors. With hundreds of animals arriving every week – many orphaned by wildfires, drought and human conflict – your support helps provide critical food, shelter and medical care to give these vulnerable young lives a chance.
It is not always easy to raise funds for less ‘charismatic’ and iconic species, but birds, bats and bushbabies need just as much help as elephants and rhinos. With our supporters’ help, we have been able to give a donation to further Friends of Free Wildlife’s wonderful work.
Thailand – Phetchaburi
A new home and a chance of friendship for rescued Asian elephant Pun
Pun is one step closer to a bigger home and the chance of friendship. Credit: WFFT
Pun’s life has been heartbreakingly hard. For decades, she was forced to breed in a cruel elephant-riding and tourist industry in Thailand, with her babies taken from her shortly after birth. This cycle of trauma left her lonely and heartbroken, as well as mistrustful of other elephants and in desperate need of peace and companionship.
Pun now lives in safety and peace at our partner sanctuary, Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT), but she is lonely. Thanks to your generosity, we’re now giving Pun a donation toward a much larger, enriched enclosure – a space where she can finally begin to heal. This new home will allow Pun to be introduced, slowly and carefully, to neighbouring elephants so she may form bonds and experience the companionship she’s been missed for so long.
Follow us on social media for heartwarming updates, important news and more.
Plans are afoot to capture some of Cape Town’s free-ranging baboons and enclose them. Learn more and sign our petition here.
Female Chacma baboons stay in their natal troop for life, forming strong matrilines. These family ties provide stability across generations. Credit: Shutterstock
The ASI team was heartbroken to learn of the passing of our partner’s beloved rescued elephant, Pai Lin, at the end of 2025, just weeks after we met her on a campaign trip. In her retirement years, this elderly girl experienced the joy of freedom, peace and safe sanctuary with our partner, Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand.
In the news
Do hibernating animals go to the loo? Read more.
Rescued Himalayan brown bear, Chada, emerging from hibernation. Credits: Instagram/whiterock.savewildfund
Researchers sound an alarm after observing the behavior of African lions: ‘Very serious’. Read more.
The mutant wolves of Chernobyl have evolved to survive cancer. Read more.
None of the help we give is possible without people like you. Our supporters’ compassion fuels lifesaving work around the globe, from direct rescue and care to critical emergency support. Stay tuned for more stories next month – and thank you for standing with animals in need.
